Chapter 66

Chapter 66

The truth was on the verge of revelation.

"Pearl, who is it?" Pei Mucheng's eyes flickered with curiosity.

Xun Yunhe responded in a daze, "It's Su Ziyan, the Vice Minister of Works!"

Xu Yunqi had never heard of this figure. She looked to Pei Mucheng, who initially seemed surprised but then appeared to grasp something, "Su Ziyan, the Vice Minister of Works, is the nephew of the current Empress. He's also a talented scholar with an excellent reputation in the court. Some consider him to be the potential successor to his mentor."

"The Ministry of Works oversees construction. It would be natural for him to use the pretense of repairing city walls to transfer people to Youzhou."

If the transfer order came from Su Ziyan, the mastermind behind the scenes would be none other than the Empress and the Twelfth Prince.

Xu Yunqi was stunned for a moment. The thought of her grandfather falling into the hands of that mother and son duo caused her gentle features to turn ashen, and her brows took on a sharp, icy edge.

Xun Yunhe continued, "Back then, no one in the court knew Yunqi's true identity, and I had never been involved in political factions. Thus, Su Ziyan had no reason to suspect me. He used my name to issue the transfer order, so even if someone uncovers the truth in the future, they'll have to go through me first."

Little did Su Ziyan know that it was precisely that transfer order that exposed the Empress and the Twelfth Prince to Xun Yunhe and Pei Mucheng.

What happened next was self-evident.

Xu Yunqi's maternal grandfather likely held the secret behind Dr. Liu's demise, a secret that could potentially topple the Empress. Once she was out of the picture, the Twelfth Prince would be implicated, clearing the path for Prince Xi and Pei Muheng to seize their opportunity.

In other words, Xu Yunqi's concern about her grandfather implicating the Xi Palace was unfounded; not only was it groundless, but finding him had become the most crucial asset for Prince Xi's bid for the throne.

This realization dawned on both Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi simultaneously.

Across a small table, Pei Muheng gazed at his wife with a gentle and luminous expression, his eyes burning with unwavering determination.

You have no reason to escape anymore.

We will fight side by side.

The words "fight side by side" were conveyed through his gaze as he reached across and took Xu Yunqi's wrist in his long arm. In that instant, a weight lifted from Xu Yunqi's heart, and she felt a sigh of relief.

Yes, a sigh of relief.

Finding her grandfather was no longer a burden but a guiding path forward. She no longer needed to bear the heavy weight of her grandfather potentially implicating the Xi Palace. She could now stay in the Xi Palace with a clear conscience.

A shared journey without burdening one another was a method Xu Yunqi found more acceptable.

Such a marriage would be the most solid for her.

Without hesitation, she held onto Pei Muhan's hand in return.

Xun Yunhe paid no attention to their subtle gestures; instead, he was contemplating a strategy in his mind.

"The old master might have been secretly taken away by them, and we have no clue where he is. Now that your rivalry with Pei Xun for the throne has become clear, he might already suspect the truth behind Yunqi's Thirteen Needles. I suggest that you launch an offensive against Pei Xun, while I wait for an opportunity to act and lure the snake out of its hole, thus revealing the old master's hiding place."

"I'll handle the affairs in the court and work on gaining the support of the officials where necessary. But there's one area where your personal involvement is required," said Xun Yunhe firmly.

Pei Muheng gazed back at him intently. "Are you referring to the military?"

The one domain Xun Yunhe had no influence over was the military. The Five Armies Supreme Command, though nominally under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, was directly accountable to the emperor. This was an unparalleled advantage that the Xi Palace held. The Xi Prince himself had an illustrious military record and was revered by border troops as a god of war. When Pei Muheng previously assisted Yang Kang, the Commander, in escaping a perilous situation, Yang Kang would undoubtedly have taken a liking to Pei Muheng behind closed doors. Despite losing his actual power, Yang Kang still commanded respect in the military, making it easy for him to persuade some generals to align with the Xi Prince.

There was one more person whose influence couldn't be overlooked: Yan Shaoling, who currently served as the Middle Lang of the Wu Capital Guard.

He was now the son-in-law of the Xi Prince and the brother-in-law of Pei Muheng.

The military influence of the Xi Palace far exceeded that of Pei Xun's; otherwise, a wise man like Pei Xun would not have rashly targeted the Xi Palace at the Altar of State.

In this contest for succession, all were skilled hunters.

Xun Yunhe nodded. "Yes, we must prepare for the worst."

The study fell into an eerie silence upon these words.

After all, Pei Xun held the advantage as the legitimate son. It had come to a point where it was either one's survival or the other's demise; Pei Muhang surely had contingency plans in place.

He took a deliberate breath and said firmly, "My father has already begun making preparations."

This is why Prince Xi dispatched people to Xizhou. It is his domain, where the Prince Xi's troops and horses are stationed. Beyond its borders lie secret pawns that Prince Xi has strategically placed in anticipation of such a situation.

Xun Yunhe quickly grasped the situation, and he let out a sigh of expected resignation.

In the great Jin army, there were four pillars of the nation. One was the Wen Duke, often likened to Zhang Liang of his time, renowned for his strategic brilliance and ability to secure victories from afar. The second was the seasoned general, Yang Kang, Duke of Yang, who was the father-in-law of the deposed crown prince, known for his solid defense and cautious tactics. The third was the late Cheng Duke, famous for his bravery in charging into battle. Lastly, there was the wise Xiwang, the supreme commander who held the reins of the three armies.

Prince Xi, since the incident at the age of ten, was cast away by the emperor to the borderlands, left to fend for himself. Upon his arrival, no one was aware of his true identity. He climbed the ranks from an insignificant soldier to a Lang Jiang, all on his own. During those overlooked years, Prince Xi flourished like a wild grass, vigorously growing. At the age of thirteen, he accomplished a remarkable feat, albeit not grand. The Wen Duke and Yang Duke both pleaded for recognition on his behalf. It was then that the emperor took notice of this son, acknowledging his abilities. From then on, in the face of difficult battles, whether in the northern or southern mountains, it was Prince Xi who led the troops. Moreover, the emperor skillfully utilized his son to balance the power among other military pillars.

A renowned commander of the three armies, and an imperial prince, who, despite being unappreciated by his father, strived relentlessly for his father's approval.

These contrasting identities intertwined within Prince Xi, earning him even more support from the military and court officials.

It is said that "only he who does not contend can no one contend with." This adage applied to Prince Xi.

The time had come to rectify the reputation of this Fourth Imperial Prince.

However, the most crucial piece in this puzzle was finding Grandfather Zhang, Xu Yunqi's maternal grandfather.

"Pei Muheng said, "I'll secretly dispatch people to monitor every move in the Twelfth Prince's palace."

Xun Yunhe nodded. "To strike a snake, aim for its vitals. I'll approach Su Ziyan for reconnaissance."

These two towering figures at the pinnacle of the Jìn dynasty's political hierarchy, through brief but thoughtful exchanges, had already formulated a series of plans. In the midst of this, Xu Yunqi unexpectedly interjected,

"I believe we also need someone to keep watch over Doctor Liu's grave."

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe were both startled.

"What does Yunqi mean?"

Xu Yunqi pondered before answering, "If Dr. Liu didn't die of a heart attack, there should be traces on his body. Where was he buried?"

Pei Muheng had already dispatched people to investigate this matter in the past few days. He replied, "In the Companion Government Park on the west side of Yan Mountain."

"At first, the Liu family kept his coffin at the Buddhist temple in the outskirts of the capital. When the princess passed away, the Liu family panicked and brought the coffin back to Xi Zhou. Two years later, the emperor, remembering Dr. Liu's past contributions, issued an edict to move his coffin to the Companion Government Park on the west side of Yan Mountain."

Being buried near the imperial mausoleum was always an honor for loyal subjects. The Companion Government Park was located on a slope at the foot of the imperial tomb, specifically designated for officials with moderate accomplishments.

Xun Yunhe looked at his daughter. "It's been 30 years. There might only be a pile of white bones left. Will we still be able to determine the cause of death?"

Xu Yunqi wasn't entirely confident, but her gaze was unwavering. "It's better to be prepared."

Each had their own area of expertise, and neither Pei Muheng nor Xun Yunhe doubted Xu Yunqi's medical knowledge. With nothing more to say, an awkward silence ensued.

"I'll take care of it." Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe spoke in unison, both evidently wishing to demonstrate their capability before Xun Yunhe's daughter.

The atmosphere at the table became subtly tense after their words.

Xu Yunqi glanced at them indifferently, her lips pursed.

Not wanting the awkwardness to linger, Pei Muheng quickly added, "Years ago, I nurtured a group of devoted assassins in Floating Water Lane. Each of them possesses exceptional skills. It would be more appropriate for me to handle this matter."

Pei Muheng's determination to compete for the throne was not a recent development; he was known to have multiple contingency plans in place. In contrast, Xun Yunhe never engaged in court intrigues; he was a noble gentleman, resplendent as the clear moon and bright winds. Secret dealings with all walks of life were not his forte.

With the main matters discussed, it was inappropriate for Xun Yunhe to linger. As he prepared to leave, something suddenly occurred to him, and he addressed Pei Muheng, "By the way, His Majesty has asked you to visit the Temple of Heaven tomorrow. He intends to temporarily entrust the Department of Revenue affairs to you..." Before finishing his sentence, he frowned and asked, "Why are you messing with ice blocks?"

When the butler informed him of this matter, Xun Yunhe was intrigued. The claim of being ill at home was merely an excuse, a fact well understood by all. He had assumed that Pei Muheng's words were just empty talk, but to his surprise, Pei Muheng had actually moved some ice from the Xun residence and ended up making himself ill. Wasn't that peculiar?

Xun Yunhe was unaware that his words had stirred up a tempest in Xu Yunqi's heart.

Since His Majesty had personally requested Pei Muheng to visit the Heavenly Purity Palace, it implied that the political situation hadn't forced Pei Muheng into pretending to be ill. So, what was the reason behind his self-inflicted ailment?

That suppressed thought emerged brazenly in Xu Yunqi's mind.

Stunned, Xu Yunqi wore a bewildered expression, his heart feeling like a broken jar of mixed emotions. He was annoyed at Pei Muheng for abusing his body, and helpless in the face of this revelation about his true intentions.

How could this man be so...?

Pei Muheng smiled calmly, "It's nothing serious."

Just as he was pondering how to subtly reveal the truth and strike Xu Yunqi's heart, his father-in-law came to the rescue.

After all, Xun Yunhe was no ordinary person. Upon noticing his daughter's slight irritation, he quickly understood that this Pei Muheng... At first, Xun Yunhe was angry, blaming Pei Muheng for using cunning tactics against his daughter. But then, he remembered that he too had once been young and in love. If Pei Muheng was willing to resort to such melodrama to win over Yunqi, didn't that demonstrate his deep concern for her? Suddenly, Xun Yunhe's feelings became complicated.

Recalling the recent incident when he had caught a cold, and the emperor had used the opportunity to have his daughter treat him, Xun Yunhe found himself with less ground to criticize Pei Muheng.

Though the "self-inflicted pain" tactic is clichéd, it has never failed.

There was an eerie silence in the room for a moment. Xun Yunhe stroked his forehead before finally speaking, "Qingyu, I have something I want to discuss with Yunqi alone."

Pei Musheng, being perceptive, stood up, ready to leave.

But Xu Yunqi suddenly called out to him, "Wait a moment."

Stopping in his tracks, Pei Musheng turned to look at her, asking, "What's wrong?"

Xu Yunqi gazed at him deeply for a while. Her apricot-shaped eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke deliberately, "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet. It's windy outside, so you shouldn't go out." The emphasis on her words made Pei Musheng anticipate trouble.

Before Pei Musheng could react, Xu Yunqi quickly got up and said to Xun Yunhe, "Follow me, please."

The father and daughter left the study one after the other.

Pei Musheng stood by the window, watching their departing figures with a mix of amusement and helplessness.

Xu Yunqi led Xun Yunhe to the Mingyu Hall, located on the east side of Qinghui Garden. This was the place where Xu Yunqi usually entertained guests. On both sides of the Mingyu Hall were annexes that had been transformed into cozy chambers.

Upon entering, Chen Mommy had already prepared hot tea and a charcoal brazier.

Xu Yunqi first invited Xun Yunhe to take the main seat, then stood aside respectfully.

This gesture indicated that she was treating him as an elder.

Xun Yunhe was naturally pleased, but he also didn't dare to show it too obviously. He pointed to the opposite side, "Yunqi, sit down."

Xu Yunqi sat down next to the cushioned stool.

The charcoal brazier was placed at Xun Yunhe's feet, and he subconsciously pushed it closer to Xu Yunqi; being meticulous and gentle towards his daughter had become second nature to him.

Xu Yunqi's gaze fell on his lapel, but she remained silent.

The tea had already been poured, and Xun Yunhe, relishing this rare moment of solitude with his daughter, wasn't in a hurry to speak.

Xu Yunqi broke the silence, "Thank you for extending your help to rescue Grandfather."

These words were not what Xun Yunhe wanted to hear, but she couldn't think of any other way to start the conversation.

Xun Yunhe indeed revealed his displeasure, setting down his teacup and saying, "Nannan, this is what a father should do. Your matters are also my matters. Besides, I need to find Grandfather and ask him for an explanation. Why did he do that back then? Why did he insist on tearing our little family apart?"

Speaking up to this point, Xun Yunhe's emotions became agitated. He leaned forward and looked at his composed and gentle daughter, asking, "Nannan, don't you hold a grudge against him? If your grandfather had told the truth, Father wouldn't have separated from you and your mother."

Recalling these events, Xu Yunqi was now quite calm. She lifted her gaze abruptly, meeting his eyes steadily and replying,

"If I'm not mistaken, a sudden fire broke out in Xiushui Village at that time. The Imperial Guards were scattered throughout Jiangling County. Grandfather must have assumed they were coming for him, so he fled with Mother and me in the middle of the night. By the time he found you, my mother had already left with Xu Ke. Even if Grandfather had told the truth then, could we really turn back time?"

From Xu Yunqi's perspective, her mother had chosen Xu Ke, while her father had taken a concubine who had even given birth to a child.

The outcome could not be any better than it is now.

She was destined to be alone.

Xun Yunhe was suddenly taken aback.

He couldn't possibly not care.

"At the very least, my daughter and I won't be separated," Xun Yunhe said through gritted teeth.

Xu Yunqi smiled faintly. "Is that so? Then I would still be an extra person when you take another wife and have more children, wouldn't I? It would be better for me to follow my grandfather, traveling with him to see the many facets of life."

Her words, spoken in her calm and gentle tone, were like knives piercing Xun Yunhe's heart.

"Nuannuan…" His eyes reddened with emotion as he reached out to grasp her delicate arm, feeling a dull ache in his heart. "Do you have so little faith in your father? I won't do anything that would harm our Nuannuan. I'll take care of them; I won't let you be without a home."

Xu Yunqi's face remained expressionless, and she didn't respond.

Recalling his daughter's nomadic life with Grandfather Zhang, Xun Yunhe couldn't hold back his emotions at this moment. Tears welled up in his eyes. "At any time, if you wish to leave the capital and travel the world to practice medicine, Father will resign from my position as the Prime Minister to accompany you."

To shield you from the winds and rains, to keep your skirts free from dust.

These were things Pei Muheng could not provide.

A surge of intense emotion rose in Xu Yunqi's throat, rendering her speechless.

The room was eerily quiet, only the crackling of the charcoal fire breaking the silence, echoing between father and daughter.

After a moment, Xun Yunhe wiped away his tears, released her, and composed himself to say,

"Annie, the situation is clear now. You've seen what he's capable of. Have you thought about spending your life with him?"

This was Xun Yunhe's true intention for this visit.

As a father, he had a broader perspective than Xu Yunqi. If Pei Muheng succeeded, he would become an emperor, and Xu Yunqi would live in the palace with him. Yunqi was a free-spirited swallow; Xun Yunhe sincerely hoped his daughter wouldn't be bound by the royal court. More importantly, no court official would accept the queen being a public healer; she would face opposition and even slander from the entire bureaucracy.

Xun Yunhe would never allow his daughter to suffer any injustice.

Of course, if Xu Yunqi truly loved Pei Muheng to the point of no return, Xun Yunhe would protect her at all costs. Hence, before that, he needed to understand her plans and make preparations accordingly.

How clever Xu Yunqi was; she saw through Xun Yunhe's intentions with a sharp gaze.

"Our marriage is none of your concern."

Her unwavering determination and authority reminded Xun Yunhe of her childhood self. He chuckled, momentarily lost for words.

His Annie hadn't changed at her core.

Yunqi was wise; he knew when to stop. It was getting late, so Xun Yunhe slowly rose from his seat, and Xu Yunqi followed, indicating it was time for him to leave.

Xun Yunhe, however, didn't rush to leave. Noticing the stray hairs around Yunqi's temples, he couldn't resist reaching out to gently smooth them back, softly saying,

"Yunqi, you carry your father's blood in you, and that cannot be changed. In the future, don't bear anything alone. If there's anything on your mind, tell Father. If you're unwilling to speak, send Silver Apricot over, alright? You must always remember that we, as father and daughter, are the closest people in this world."

The closest people in this world...

These words tugged at Xu Yunqi's heartstrings. She looked at him silently. Other than their first encounter at Qi Taifu's residence, she had never truly looked at him. The middle-aged man before her now appeared more vivid; his slender, upright figure and refined, handsome features. She could even faintly see a resemblance of herself in the arch of his brows.

Silver Apricot always said they both smiled identically when they did.

So she offered a small smile. "I'll escort you out."

Just as Xun Yunhe stepped out of the prince's palace, he turned into the neighboring Xun residence. As he lifted his gaze, he noticed a broad-shouldered man standing in the open courtyard.

Dressed in a pure white robe, the man held a delicate and exquisite ivory fan. His tall figure leaned slightly backward, seemingly examining an old pine tree by the entrance of the Xun residence. Hearing the sound of the gate, he turned his gaze, revealing a face as bright and serene as a full moon on a clear night.

"Is Grand Secretary Xun visiting his daughter?"

Radiant and composed, it was indeed the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun.

Xun Yunhe never expected that before he could confront Pei Xun, Pei Xun would come to him first.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he ascended the steps with an unperturbed demeanor and slowly raised his sleeves in a respectful bow.

"Your Highness has graced me with your presence. I apologize for not greeting you at a distance."